Athletes representing hosts Ogun State at the 22nd National Sports Festival on Wednesday, left other athletes and officials stranded at the Games Village at Babcock University, as they protested the non-payment of their allowances with two days to the end of the Gateway Games 2024, PUNCH Online reports.
In videos and pictures circulated by officials at the games village, buses conveying athletes to different venues of events were stranded as athletes in Ogun tracksuits were seen blocking the gate.
It was said that the situation began as early as 5.30am.
Ogun athletes blocking buses at the Gateway Games 2024 event venue in protest over unpaid allowance. Photo: Abiodun Adewale
One of the athletes representing Ogun State also confirmed to PUNCH Online that they had held a meeting over the protest last night and proceeded with their plans this morning.
According to him, they were yet to be paid and do not know how much the state would pay them in terms of allowances.
Before the start of the sports festival, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, pledged a cash reward of N2.5m for every gold medallist from the state, N1.5m for silver and N1m for bronze medallists.
The state is third on the medals table with 48 gold, 38 silver and 47 bronze medals.
PUNCH Online is still awaiting the reaction of the Ogun State Commissioner of Sports, Wasiu Isiaka, as of the time of filing this story.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has donated three acres of land to the International Council for Ifa Religion for the construction of the World Ifa Temple.
This was aimed at promoting its activities and establishing the largest pilgrimage site for Yoruba traditional worshippers across the world.
The ICIR announced this in a statement released by its President, Fayemi Fakayode, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday.
Fakayode said, “This gesture of our referred first class Oba has demonstrated his love for tradition and Yoruba culture and spirituality.
“On behalf of the Council of Araba and Oluwo, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence, Awodotun Aworeni, the Araba/Olu-Isese Agbaye and all practitioners of Ifa and Orisa Worldwide, we thank His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, for this good and historic gesture.
“With this step, Ooni’s commitment to preserving and promoting Oduduwa’s cultural heritage and spirituality is obvious to all to see.
“This project is going to be the largest World Ifa Temple across the world, and it will serve as a major pilgrimage site for practitioners of Oduduwa’s spirituality across the globe.”
He said the three acres of land are located around the Stadium Area, Route 7, Ile-Ife, Osun State, and work has begun on the site.
It will be recalled that ICIR, whose headquarters is located at Oke-Itase, Ile Ife, had recently requested the land for the construction of what the body tagged “the Largest World Ifa Temple” in Ile Ife.
A diphtheria outbreak in Mbutu Community, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, has led to the deaths of several children, prompting an immediate closure of schools in the area.
The exact number of fatalities remains unconfirmed, Daily Trust reports on Wednesday.
The Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, Iheukwumere Alaribe, confirmed the development in a statement issued on May 26, 2025.
Diphtheria, a highly infectious disease caused by the toxin-producing bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affects the nose and throat but can also impact the skin.
It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, or via direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects.
In response to the outbreak, the local government has taken swift action to curb further spread.
Schools in Mbutu have been temporarily closed, and parents have been advised to keep their children indoors.
“Diphtheria claimed the lives of the children less than a week after its outbreak.
“The chairman stated that the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Department of Disease Prevention and Control in the Imo State Ministry of Health, and health workers from Aboh Mbaise LGA were working tirelessly to investigate and contain the outbreak.
“An isolation centre has been established at Mbutu Health Centre, with health workers deployed to quarantine children who may have been exposed to the disease and to provide care for affected families,” said Godspower Dike, the spokesman for the chairman.
Alaribe also urged parents to take urgent steps to vaccinate their children.
“In light of this outbreak, parents who have not yet vaccinated their children are strongly urged to do so without delay.
“Vaccinations are crucial for preventing the spread of diseases and protecting our children’s health,” he stated.
The chairman’s spokesman, Dike, appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with health authorities.
“We encourage the public to remain calm and cooperate with the relevant authorities as we work to control this outbreak. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” he added
In the first week of May, the disease killed two children in the Tukur-Tukur community of Zaria, Kaduna State.
Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease.
Health authorities have reiterated the importance of routine immunisation to protect children from preventable diseases like diphtheria.
Nigeria has recorded 25,812 confirmed cases of diphtheria out of 42,642 suspected cases across 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and 350 local government areas, with confirmed cases spread across 184 LGAs in 26 states.
PUNCH Online reported that as of March 9, 2025, the outbreak has led to 1,319 deaths, according to the latest situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, covering the period from week 19 of 2022 to week 10 of 2025.
The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called on all stakeholders to join hands and work against all forms of abuse of children, most especially bullying in the society.
Aiyedatiwa, who described bullying as a form of aggressive behaviour where someone intentionally harms, intimidates or humiliates another person repeatedly, said all hands must be on deck to protect the rights of the children.
The governor stated this at the 2025 edition of the National Children’s Day celebration, held in Akure, the state capital, on Tuesday.
Speaking on the theme of the celebration, ‘Stand up, speak up – building a bullying-free generation’, the governor explained that bullying could be physical, verbal or social and it leaves lasting harm.
He noted that children who were bullied may suffer emotionally, physically and academically which could lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, sleep disturbances and even social isolation.
Aiyedatiwa said, “Our children deserve better. They need our protection from all forms of harassment, exploitation and abuse. To build a bullying-free generation, we must act collectively and decisively. We must build a society free from oppression, injustice and inhumane treatment. We must build a generation of young people who are bold, resilient and confident. A generation that knows their rights and is not afraid to stand up for what is right, not just for themselves but for their peers as well.
“This is how we build a truly inclusive and safe society. All hands must therefore be on deck – parents, teachers, school administrators, religious bodies, traditional institutions, associations and government at all levels must play their part. And so must our children, who must be encouraged to speak up and support one another. We must instil empathy and kindness in our children.
“When we put ourselves in others’ shoes, we can build stronger relationships and more caring communities. Education is key to preventing bullying. We must raise awareness about its harmful effects and promote positive behaviour in all learning environments. We must also build robust support systems for victims: counselling, mentoring and safe spaces must be readily available. Moreover, we must empower bystanders to become upstanders – those who do not remain silent but act when they see something wrong.
“As a government, we remain unwavering in our commitment to child protection policies, school safety initiatives and programmes that promote mental and emotional health in our schools and communities. By the special grace of God, the government of Ondo State shall continue to prioritise the welfare of our children through our various initiatives, including payment of WAEC fees for secondary school students and the renovation of public schools across the State. We have also recruited over two thousand teachers for public secondary and primary schools to improve the standard of education in the state.”
Corroborating Aiyedatiwa, the Special Adviser to the governor on Women Affairs, Seun Osamaye, called on all stakeholders to take action against bullying among the children in schools and other areas.
“National Children’s Day is a significant National event that affords us the opportunity of celebrating our children by networking and also advocating for social welfare and rights in society. It is a day set aside to recognise, honour, celebrate and appreciate our children. It was established to promote international awareness, Unity, love among children worldwide, and to improve their welfare.
“This year’s theme, ‘Stand up, speak up; building a bullying-free generation’, is apt and timely as it addresses critical issues in school settings and calls on us all to take action against bullying among children and young adults, empowering our children to speak up through advocacy and confidence building.
A professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Adeseye Akintunde, on Tuesday, advocated early diagnosis and comprehensive national policy reforms to address the rising burden of cardiovascular diseases across sub-Saharan Africa.
Akintunde made this call while delivering the 64th inaugural lecture of LAUTECH, held at the university premises in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
In his lecture titled “The Heart and Its Venomous Whispers of Disorders,” Akintunde explained that cardiovascular diseases were the leading cause of death globally, demanding interprofessional collaboration for better public health outcomes.
He warned of the increasing toll of heart-related ailments in sub-Saharan Africa, blaming urbanisation, obesity and sedentary lifestyles for surges in hypertension, stroke and heart failure cases.
He called for more awareness, lifestyle changes and the mantra “know your numbers to prevent cardiovascular diseases in rapidly developing African societies.
“I want to urge Nigerians to regularly monitor their blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight toward preventing cardiovascular emergencies and promoting healthier living.
“Grace, grit, and gratitude define my journey. When the heart beats with purpose, greatness is achievable,” he added.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has initiated fresh negotiations with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery over the renewal of the naira-for-crude agreement, as talks are underway in anticipation of the expiration of the initial deal, which ends on March 31, 2025.
The NNPCL disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in response to claims that the government-owned oil company had suspended the naira-for-crude deal until 2030, as it has forward-sold all its crude oil.
This came as fresh findings by The PUNCH indicated that crude oil worth about N486.31bn was received by the $20bn Lekki-based refinery under the deal between October and December 2024.
Recall that on October 1, 2024, the government commenced the sales of crude oil in naira to local refineries to improve supply, save the country millions of dollars in petroleum product imports, and ultimately reduce the pump prices of refined products.
The NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, in the statement on Monday, explained that the initial deal was for six months, confirming The PUNCH exclusive report last year, adding that discussions for the renewal of the agreement are currently ongoing, with the aim of establishing a new contract.
He also stated that under the deal initiated in October 2024, the 650,000-capacity refinery has received 48 million barrels to refine for petroleum products, while a total of 84 million barrels has been supplied to the refinery since it commenced operations in 2023.
The spokesperson also clarified that the deal was subject to availability.
The statement read, “NNPC Limited has noted recent reports circulating on social media regarding the alleged unilateral termination of the crude oil sales agreement in naira between NNPC and Dangote Refinery.
“To clarify, the contract for the sale of crude oil in naira was structured as a six-month agreement, subject to availability, and expires at the end of March 2025. Discussions are currently ongoing towards emplacing a new contract.
“Under this arrangement, NNPC has made over 48 million barrels of crude oil available to Dangote Refinery since October 2024. In aggregate, NNPC has made over 84 million barrels of crude oil available to the refinery since its commencement of operations in 2023.”
The national oil firm further reaffirmed its commitment to supplying crude oil for local refining based on mutually agreed terms and conditions. “
Naira-for-crude policy intact
Similarly, the Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee on the naira-for-crude deal, Zacch Adedeji, reaffirmed the government’s stance, emphasising that the termination of the contract was never a consideration.
He said there is substantial evidence supporting the policy as the correct approach and affirmed that it will continue to contribute positively to the nation’s economy.
“The policy framework enabling the sale of crude oil in naira for domestic refining remains in force. The initiative was designed to ensure supply stability and optimize the utilisation of local refining capacity. There has been no decision at the policy level to discontinue this approach, nor is it being considered. After implementing the policy for some months, evidence abounds that it is the right way to go, and it will continue to help the economy.
“The framework for domestic crude transactions is designed to promote a competitive and efficient pricing environment,” the Federal Inland Revenue Chairman said in an e-signed statement.
He also revealed that local refineries have not been excluded from domestic crude supply and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission is actively ensuring compliance with the Domestic Crude Oil Obligations provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.
“The engagement process for crude oil supply to domestic refineries therefore remains in place by structured agreements, balancing factors such as availability, demand, and market conditions. There is no exclusion of local refineries from access to domestic crude oil. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission is actively ensuring compliance with the Domestic Crude Oil Obligations provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.
“We remain committed to ensuring the efficient execution of this initiative in line with its core objectives – enhancing local refining, reducing foreign exchange exposure, and stabilising the domestic fuel supply,” he concluded.
Commenting on the ongoing contract renewal discussions, the Publicity Secretary of the Crude Oil Refinery-Owners Association of Nigeria, Eche Idoko, stated that the renewal was part of the original plan, emphasising that there have been no changes to the initial discussions.
However, he urged the government to honour its commitment to meeting the 27,000 barrels per day demand from modular refineries, stressing the importance of fulfilling this promise for the continued success of the industry.
Speaking in an interview, the publicity secretary said, “What the Federal Government said to us during our meetings last year was that they were going to start the pilot phase with Dangote, and when it ends, the second phase, which will start after March, will cover other refineries with a capacity of 27,000 barrels. The reason they started with Dangote was because they needed a refinery that could produce petrol, and only Dangote could do that.”
“But we also know that diesel is consumed by trucks that carry foodstuffs, which ultimately drives up the price of products, so modular refineries are important, and we really hope that they would fulfil that promise, as discussed, to include other refineries.”
He also highlighted the gains of the agreement, stressing that “We have seen a reduction in the price of products on one hand, and the naira has performed well against the dollar. Given this success, we are supposed to just enter the second phase and not say the government is renegotiating with Dangote. It is supposed to be with all the refineries.”
Meanwhile, an analysis of crude oil liftings obtained from the NNPCL monthly presentations at the monthly Federal Account Allocation Committee meetings between October 2024 and the last FAAC meeting held in February 2025 showed that the Dangote refinery received crude supply worth N486.31bn.
The national oil firm noted that the transactions were valued at $373.76m, and payments were made at an Afrexim Bank-advised exchange rate payable in naira, amounting to N486.31bn.
However, as of last month, the documents indicated that a total of $126.99m at an equivalent of N199.96bn was listed as obligations due for remittance and yet to be paid.
It further stated that all products were supplied to the refinery under a credit facility, with a payment due date set for 45 days from the date of barrel liftings.
It was observed that the crude oil figures were disclosed post facto, with the December data shared during the company’s last meeting in February 2025. The figures reported in January and February are expected to be presented to the FAAC committee during its meeting in March and April 2025.
The report revealed that on October 14, 2024, the $20 billion Lekki-based refinery received its highest allocation of crude oil, totalling 598,125 barrels. In contrast, on October 30, 2024, the refinery’s lowest allocation was 5,000 barrels. Additionally, the government only fulfilled its daily oil requirement on four occasions during this period.
A detailed breakdown of each transaction revealed that the first shipment, which was loaded onto the Sienna vessel carrying 100,000 barrels of crude oil, was received on October 14. This shipment was sold at a unit price of $78.56 per barrel, corresponding to invoice number PSC10.24.001. The total value of the transaction amounted to $7,856,870, which, when converted at N1,628, equals approximately N12.797bn.
The second transaction with invoice number PSC 10.24.002 was initiated on the same day with 598,125 barrels supplied. It was sold at a unit price of $78.56 per barrel with a dollar value of $46,993,903 and the equivalent of N76.54bn using an exchange rate of N1,635 per dollar.
The next allocation with invoice number PSC.10.24.009 was initiated on October 23, with 597,917 barrels delivered via vessel Sonangol Kalandula to the refinery. It was estimated at a unit price of $78.67 per barrel and a total value of $47,043,332 and naira equivalent of N77.64bn. An exchange rate of N1,650 was used for this transaction.
Similarly, a supply of 350,000 barrels was delivered on the same date at the same unit price and exchange rate. This transaction with invoice number PSC 10.24.008 was valued at $27,537,545 and a naira equivalent of N45.45bn.
The next day, October 24, another supply of 250,000 barrels was submitted at a unit price of $75.37 per barrel at a total cost of $18,844,675 and N30.814bn naira equivalent. An exchange rate of N1,635 was utilised for this transaction with invoice number PSC.10.24.018.
Also, the next allocation with invoice number PSC.10.24.017 was initiated on October 24, with 202,716 barrels delivered via vessel Constantios to the refinery. It was estimated at a unit price of $75.37 per barrel and a total value of $15,280,468 and naira equivalent of N24.98bn. An exchange rate of N1,635 was used for this transaction.
On October 30, the lowest supply of 5,000 barrels was submitted at a unit price of $78.18 per barrel at a total cost of $390,943 and N600.03m naira equivalent. An exchange rate of N1,534 was utilised for this transaction with invoice number PSC.10.24.013.
A summation showed that 2,103,758 barrels were supplied in the month of October. However, there was a significant decline in the supply during November, with only two transactions approved throughout the entire month.
Both transactions occurred on November 4, 2024, with a combined supply of 798,374 barrels of crude oil. The unit price for the oil was $75.82 per barrel, bringing the total value of the transactions to $60,534,073. This amount was equivalent to N100.87 billion, using an exchange rate of N1,666 to the dollar. The invoice number for these transactions was PSC/EXP/OML/146/09-24/RO-19.
In December. On the second day of the month, four vessels conveying 799,737 barrels of crude oil berthed at the refinery terminal. It was sold at a unit price of $74.87 per barrel, a total dollar value of $59,879,328, and a naira equivalent of N93.59bn. An exchange rate of N1,562 was used for these transactions and was paid in naira.
On December 11, 233,401 barrels of crude oil were supplied at a unit price of $76.21 per barrel at a total cost of $17,787,886 and N23.03bn naira equivalent. An exchange rate of N1,294 was utilised for this transaction with invoice number PSC.12.24.001. A remark on this transaction stated that Dangote paid based on the received volume of 193,320 barrels as against the invoice volume of 233,401.
Also, a pending crude oil supply of 956,061 barrels at a unit price of $74.9 and a total value of $71.61 was postponed to January.
The documents, however, didn’t reveal the supply of petroleum products received from the refinery under the deal.
Comedian and skit maker, Ganiyu Morufu, popularly known as Ijoba Lande, has claimed that he has eight videos of other men sleeping with his estranged wife, Dara, aside from Yoruba Nollywood actor, Baba Tee, who recently admitted sleeping with her.
The comedian disclosed this during an interview with media personality, Daddy Freeze, via Instagram livestream on Monday night.He admitted that it was so painful watching the men have rough sex with his wife.
“I have eight videos of other men sleeping with my wife aside from Baba Tee. It’s so painful. I watched how these men were spanking her.
“So, if she behaves like that as a single mother, it does not mean all single mothers will behave like that. It is just on her will to be promiscuous. Since I left her, no woman appeals to me anymore; I have been avoiding all women. I challenge anybody to admit seeing me with any lady in a hotel since this incident happened. I’m embittered with the whole situation. She’s a bad woman.
I have had Baba Tee’s sex video with my wife since four months ago. I am looking to drop the video anytime soon,” he added.The PUNCH reports that Baba Tee backtracked and admitted that he had a “short” sexual experience with Dara.
His disclosure countered the earlier denial he made about the same issue where he challenged Lande to bring evidence that he truly slept with his wife or face the law because the comedian had defamed him.
Lande claimed that his wife left him after he discovered her alleged infidelity, stating that at least 21 men in the entertainment industry were involved with her.
Among those he called out was Baba Tee, whom he mentioned in an Instagram post and the viral interview.
Reacting to the alleged sexual affairs with Baba Tee, Lande’s estranged wife said she only sat on the actor’s legs during a “Truth and Dare” game initiated by her friend, Marygold.
Detailing how the incident unfolded, she said, “The first time I met Baba Tee was in July last year when Marygold told me we should go to his house because she wanted to invite him to the launching of her movie. When we got there, Baba Tee didn’t know I was Lande’s wife, we greeted and Marygold said she wanted to drink alcohol.
“There was no alcohol in the house, so Marygold and Baba Tee’s driver went to buy it while I sat down in the living room. Baba Tee and I didn’t talk till they returned. When Marygold entered the house, she said we should start a ‘Truth or Dare’ game. I didn’t want to, but she encouraged me, so I told Baba Tee that I was Lande’s wife, and we started the game.
“As the game was going on, Marygold stripped herself naked and gave Baba Tee a BJ. By then, I had already drunk 10 shots of alcohol while Marygold and Baba Tee were smoking ‘Igbo’ (marijuana). Marygold then dared Baba Tee to give me a doggy style, so Baba Tee went to get a condom.
“When he returned, I told him I would not allow doggy, but I would sit on him. We then told Marygold to turn to the wall so she wouldn’t watch us. I only sat on his lap; we didn’t do anything.”
Access Holdings Leads Action in Sickle Cell Awareness Month
L-R: Amaechi Okobi, Chief Communications Officer, Access Holdings PLC; Ms. Timi Edwin, Sickle Cell Champions and Founder, CrimsomBow Sickle Cell Initiative, and Esther Graham, Team Member, Sustainability, Access Holdings PLC, at the Access Sickle Cell Awareness Initiative event to mark Sickle Cell Awareness Month at the institution’s headquarters in Lagos…recently.
In a heartfelt demonstration of solidarity and compassion, employees of Access Holdings PLC came together to donate 159 pints of blood as part of an initiative to commemorate Sickle Cell Awareness Month.
The donation drive, which saw over 200 employees participate, was executed in partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service and the Boat Foundation/Life Bank. This contribution will directly support sickle cell champions, who often require urgent blood transfusions due to life-threatening complications from the disease.
Amaechi Okobi, Chief Communications Officer at Access Holdings PLC, spoke on the significance of the initiative, stating, “Every pint of blood donated represents hope and survival for someone living with sickle cell. We are incredibly proud of our staff who volunteered and our partners who made this possible. Access Holdings is committed to championing causes that change lives and create lasting impact.”
In addition to the donation drive, Access Bank, the flagship subsidiary of Access Holdings, hosted a webinar, featuring a distinguished panel of speakers, including Prof. Ebele Uche, Professor of Haematology at the Lagos State University College of Medicine; Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service; Dr. Sola Adebekun, Executive Secretary of the Temitayo Awosika Help Foundation, and Ms. Judith Ojonugwa Mathew, a sickle cell champion. The webinar focused on raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals living with sickle cell and emphasised the importance of regular blood donations in managing the disorder.
The panellists shared insights on healthcare gaps, the need for increased blood supply, and the impact of public-private partnerships in supporting sickle cell patients. The event also included personal stories from sickle cell champions, highlighting their daily struggles and the importance of timely interventions like blood transfusions.
Access Holdings’ involvement in this campaign underscores its dedication to advancing healthcare initiatives that benefit vulnerable communities. As Africa continues to see over 300,000 babies born with sickle cell each year, the need for advocacy, support, and healthcare solutions remains urgent. Access Bank’s leadership in these efforts reinforces its commitment to building a healthier society and creating long-lasting positive impact.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has announced the detection of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in Nigeria.
According to a statement by Ifedayo Adetifa, the NCDC director-general, the variant was detected in two Nigerians who arrived in the country last week
The Omicron variant, a new strain of the coronavirus disease, was first reported by South Africa.
Following the detection in South Africa, NCDC said there was no case in Nigeria but proper monitoring would be done.
On Tuesday the government of Canada had also stated that it discovered two cases of the variant from two passengers arriving from Nigeria.
The Federal Government through the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 had, however, said it was investigating the issue to get more details.
But the NCDC on Wednesday morning confirmed that the two cases were detected and linked to two passengers from South Africa.
“In line with the routine travel tests required of all international travelers and genomic sequencing at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control through its National Reference Laboratory, Abuja, confirms Nigeria’s first case of the Omicron variant.
“Retrospective sequencing of previously confirmed cases among travelers to Nigeria also identified the omicron variant among samples collected in October 2021”.the statement read.
UBA Foundation Sensitises Staff, Customers on Mental Health Awareness, offers Therapies, Creative Opportunities, Giveaways
In line with its commitment towards giving back and impacting lives,UBA Foundation – the corporate social responsibility arm of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc – has kicked-off a week-long series of activities aimed at promoting mental health awareness for staff and customers starting with a panel session on Wellness at the Workplace.
Whilst studies revealed that over 19% of adults struggle with their mental health every year, a majority of those affected are reluctant to speak-out and seek help for fear of stigmatisation, UBA Foundation, through the panel discussion, sought to address the challenges that individuals are facing and how it has now become important to create consciousness and prioritise the general well-being of employees and clients.
UBA’s Group Managing Director, Kennedy Uzoka, delivered a good will message at the event emphasising the importance of wellness and mental health. He stressed the need for more organisations to ensure that the mental health of their staff and families are taken more seriously.
He said, “UBA has always engaged in a lot of ground-breaking initiatives and the issue of mental health is important to us. We have found that people do not want to talk about mental health because they think it is bad, but the truth is that you can only get good productive people when challenges like these are addressed and I am so happy that this has commenced here. “
The panel was moderated by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, who spoke about UBA’s goal to remain the best place to work. She noted that the bank is addressing these issues and championing the narrative that says that mental health issues shouldn’t be swept under the carpet.
“We want to create a workplace environment where people feel comfortable and encouraged to seek help when necessary, so that they can give the best of themselves in their respective roles. We hope to stomp out the stigma that keeps people suffering in silence and bridge the gap between mental health inclusivity, support and recovery in Africa,” Atta who is also UBA’s Group Head Corporate Communications, explained.
The panellists, UBA’s Group Head, Human Resources, Patricia Aderibigbe, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, BTH Therapy, Chris Abojei, Co-founder Africa’s Health Matters Foundation, Vanessa Adebayo and Angel Yinkore all agreed that wellness, especially at the workplace, has become a front burning issue and should be well addressed.
Atta announced the partnership with UBA Foundation and Inside Out as part of the weeklong activities to shine some light on mental health. Inside Out aims at teaching youths to channel their feelings through art expression and photography. She added that staff members would be able to benefit from free therapy sessions from BHT Therapy and many wellness giveaways such as spa and fitness vouchers.
Another major highlight of the week will be an intimate discussion with the Founder, Genevieve Magazine, Betty Irabor, on Thursday, November 11th, where she will share insights around her personal journey and the realities of balancing life, family, and mental health.
